TV host-comedian Joey de Leon surprised viewers of his weekly talk show, “Startalk,” when he made one dare after another as he fumed over a report published in the tabloid Balita that his noontime variety program for 29 years, “Eat Bulaga,” was a flop in its recent US show.

In his article, “Bakit Nag-Flop ang Eat Bulaga sa US?” published on July 29, Balita entertainment editor Dindo Balares claimed a GMA-7 executive, whom he did not name, confirmed the show was indeed a flop. However, if one thoroughly reads the article, the author merely referred to second-hand sources in his statements and that he did not witness the event himself in Los Angeles, California.

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After successfully pushing a Senate investigation on alleged cheating in ABS-CBN’s “Wowowee,” veteran comedian and TV host Joey de Leon is now himself subject of a Congressional inquiry. Together with “Eat Bulaga!” co-mainstay Michael V. or known by his showbiz nickname, “Bitoy,” a bill has been filed in the House of Representatives to check reality-based practical joke shows, which it said had exposed its victims to public humiliation.

These shows–Joey’s “Wow Mali!” on ABC-5 and Bitoy’s “Bitoy’s Funniest Videos” on GMA-7–allegedly subject their victims to ridicule, forcing them to situations they would not choose to get involved in full view of millions of televiewers.

While we all know that this format has long been a popular fare in television worldwide, I can understand why this measure has taken its legislative course. Personally, I could not imagine being the victim of a practical joke by friends, much more by a top-rating television show. The feeling of being led to a false situation or incident, then caused me to react passionately or violently, and in the end told that it was just a joke and part of a television prank would be something I would definitely abhor. Yes, I would call the attention of the producers, network executives, or worse file a court case.

But then again, people take such things differently. Some enjoy the TV exposure, the instant celebrity tag from such pranks.  Others appreciate the joke as even a “friendly gesture.”

Going back to Joey and Bitoy, yes they could shed some light on the allegations. But they are not fully at fault for any harm done on the show’s “victims.”  The probe should instead focus more on the TV executives and producers behind the shows.  They are in a better position to explain the relevance, necessity, and significance of these practical jokes shows in their programming.

Being the faces on the frontline, however, these two well-respected and multi-awarded comics could not take this with just a mischievous grin. The bill has a valid point.

* * *

Now that ABC Studios and “Desperate Housewives” producers have decided to delete the controversial “slur” against Filipino medical doctors in its season premier for its future broadcasts and packaging (such as in DVDs) and have apologized, I think the Filipino-American community has proved its point.

It’s rare for such a highly-rated show to give in to a staggering show of dissent over the fracas. Well, considering how Filipinos were united in their protest, I think US television scriptwriters would definitely think twice before taking Filipinos lightly or making them the butt of jokes. And, the main lesson: consider facts, research well, and not depend on years of cultural biases to earn a living.